What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
refusal
Example
I received a refusal from the company regarding my job application. [refusal: noun]
Example
She refused to go to the party with him. [refused: verb]
rejection
Example
The manuscript was met with rejection by several publishers. [rejection: noun]
Example
He felt rejected by his friends after they excluded him from their plans. [rejected: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rejection is more commonly used than refusal in everyday language. Rejection is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while refusal is less common and refers to a specific type of denial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between refusal and rejection?
Refusal is typically associated with a more formal tone, while rejection is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
